Modeling and prediction of asphaltene-resin-paraffinic substances deposits in oil production wells

Abstract

In the oil industry today, the issue of combating deposits of asphaltene-resin-paraffinic substances (ARPD) remains relevant. At the moment, the most common method in the Perm Territory for removing ARPD in wells operated by electric centrifugal pumps is mechanized (mechanical dewaxing units). This method is the main one in the fight against wax deposits, but does not provide absolute protection. The least costly way to deal with ARPD is the use of flushing with hot oil or water, but this also does not always provide sufficient efficiency. The effectiveness of technologies will depend on the depth of deposition, the intensity and thickness of the formed layer of paraffin deposits, respectively, to select an effective technology for each specific well, knowledge of these parameters is required. To solve this problem, computational hydraulic models were created, hydrodynamic modeling and simulation of paraffin deposits when lifting fluid in a well was carried out using the example of five wells of one of the oil fields of the Perm Territory. Based on the calculations, recommendations were given on the choice of the method for removing and preventing ARPD for the analyzed wells. The proposed measures have been implemented at the wells and to date have led to a reduction in the costs of their implementation and significantly reduced oil shortages. In three wells, the change in annular pressure led to a decrease in foaming and stabilization of the dynamic level, while the main problem was solved – ARPDs are not formed in the annulus.

Keywords

• software product “olga”
• paraffin layer thickness
• dynamic level
• bottomhole pressure
• depth of paraffin deposition
• interclean period
• mechanical cleaning method